Top Shot: Premier Shotgun Brands You Need to Know

Shotguns are a popular choice for both hunters and sport shooters alike, offering versatility and reliability. With a plethora of brands available on the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. Renowned brands like Beretta, Browning, and Remington have consistently stood out due to their quality craftsmanship and performance. Additionally, Benelli is known for its innovative designs and durability. For those seeking more detailed insights and comparisons, continue reading below.

Illustration of shotgun

Best brands of shotgun in 2025

Beretta

Beretta, the world's oldest gunmaker with a 500-year history, is renowned for its exceptional shotgun production, manufacturing about 1,500 firearms daily, with 90% of these being sporting guns. The company's DT11 shotgun is particularly celebrated, being the most victorious shotgun ever and contributing to Beretta securing 93% of available titles in a recent sporting event. Beretta's innovative Steelium Pro technology and the Shooting Data app have significantly enhanced the performance of their shotguns. In 2022, Beretta achieved a record turnover of over 310 million euros, driven largely by the success of their sporting firearms, including the new BRX1 straight-pull rifle. The company exports 75% of its production to 100 different countries, solidifying its global presence.

Benelli

Benelli, an Italian brand with a history dating back to 1911, is renowned for its high-quality shotguns, although it is now owned by Qianjiang Motorcycle and manufactures its products in China. Benelli's shotguns have gained significant market presence, with Turkey emerging as a major exporter of foreign-made shotguns to the US, a category in which Benelli competes strongly. In 2016, Turkey led the imports with 335,190 shotguns, and Benelli's products are part of this growing market share. Benelli's shotguns, such as those from its competitors like Mossberg and Remington, contribute to the overall shotgun market, which accounted for 9.5% of total firearms offered for sale in the US in 2016. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a notable player in the shotgun industry. Learn more about shotgun sales in the United States.

Browning

Browning is renowned as one of the best producers of shotguns, with a legacy that dates back to 1878 when the company was founded by John Moses Browning and his brother Matthew. The brand is celebrated for its innovative designs, such as the Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun, which was produced from 1903 to 1999, with over 2.75 million units manufactured during that period. Browning's shotguns, including the BPS pump-action and the Cynergy series, are highly regarded for their quality and performance. The company's A5, released in 2014, is a recoil-operated shotgun that continues the tradition of excellence. Browning's shotguns are popular in competitive shooting sports and recreational activities, contributing to the brand's strong presence in the global sports gun market.

Remington

Remington is one of the leading manufacturers of shotguns in the United States, known for its high volume and quality of production. In 2016, Remington produced 385,871 shotguns, making it the top shotgun manufacturer that year, surpassing other notable brands like Mossberg and Beretta. This figure represents a significant increase from 2007, when Remington produced 238,245 shotguns. Remington's dominance in the shotgun market is a testament to its long-standing reputation and consumer trust. The company's production numbers highlight its importance in the U.S. firearms industry. For more detailed insights, refer to the shotgun sales data in the United States.

Winchester

Winchester is renowned as one of the best producers of shotguns, with a legacy that spans over a century. The Winchester Model 12, introduced in 1912, was the company's first hammerless pump-action shotgun and became one of the most popular shotguns of its time, known for its durability and performance in various gauges including 20, 12, 16, and 28 gauge. Despite rising labor costs and production changes in the 1960s, Winchester continued to innovate, though the Model 12 was eventually discontinued due to market and production realities. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has maintained its reputation, even after the closure of the New Haven plant in 2006. Winchester shotguns, such as the Model 12, remain highly regarded by hunters, competitors, and collectors alike. For more insight into their favorite Winchester firearms, visit their blog.

Mossberg

Mossberg is a leading manufacturer of shotguns, renowned for its reliability and performance. By 2021, Mossberg had produced over 11 million units of its iconic Model 500, making it the most-produced shotgun of all time. In 2016, Mossberg accounted for 367,542 shotgun sales in the U.S., contributing significantly to the 9.5% market share of shotguns in total firearm sales that year. The Mossberg 500 series, introduced in 1961, has been a staple in both hunting and law enforcement due to its durability and affordability. The Mossberg 590 Shockwave, introduced in 2017, has also gained popularity for its compact design and shooter-friendly performance. For more information, visit the Mossberg official website.

Fabarm

Fabarm, a renowned Italian firearms manufacturer, has been a leader in the production of high-quality shotguns since its inception around 1900 by the Galesi family. Known for its innovative designs, Fabarm introduced its first semi-automatic shotgun, the GOLDENMATIC, in the late 1960s and later the ELLEGI with a gas operating mechanism, which gained immense success in Europe. The company produces over 20,000 weapons annually from its modern 10,000-sq-meter factory in Brescia, Italy, and is one of only three Italian manufacturers that produce their own smooth bore barrels. Fabarm's products, such as the Autumn side-by-side shotgun, feature advanced technologies like the TRIBORE HP™ barrels and PULSE Piston™ gas-operation system. With a commitment to 100% Italian production, Fabarm ensures superior quality and performance. For more insights into their history and innovations, explore their company profile.

Weatherby

Weatherby, a renowned American firearms company founded in 1945 by Roy Weatherby, is highly regarded for its high-quality shotguns, including the recently introduced SORIX Semi-Auto Shotgun, which promises reliability, performance, and adaptability. With over 50 years of experience in producing shotguns, Weatherby's offerings include over-under double barrel, side-by-side double barrel, pump-action, and semi-automatic models, many of which are manufactured in collaboration with Italian gunmaker Fausti Stefano. The SORIX Semi-Auto Shotgun, launched in 2024, is priced at $1499 and is expected to elevate the shooting experience. Weatherby's shotguns are known for their precision and durability, making them a favorite among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has contributed to its strong market share and revenue growth.

Franchi

Franchi, founded in 1868 in Brescia, Italy, is one of the world's oldest and most renowned firearm manufacturers, particularly celebrated for its high-quality shotguns. With over 150 years of experience, Franchi has innovated through major transitions in firearm technology, from black powder to metallic cartridges and smokeless powder. The company's shotguns, such as the SPAS-12 and AL-48, are highly regarded for their reliability and craftsmanship, making Franchi a preferred supplier for both military and civilian markets. In 2017, 12 gauge shotguns, a caliber often associated with Franchi's products, made up about 47.78% of the global sports gun market. Franchi's commitment to quality and innovation has been consistent even after being acquired by Beretta Holding in 1994. For more information on their products, visit Franchi Shotguns and Rifles.

Savage Arms

Savage Arms has emerged as a significant player in the firearms industry, particularly in the production of shotguns. In 2022, Savage Arms saw a notable increase in shotgun production, with numbers nearly eightfold higher than the previous year, rising from 13,352 to 102,288 units. This growth highlights the company's expanding presence in the shotgun market. Additionally, Savage Arms achieved a year-over-year increase in all three product categories it competes in, including pistols and rifles. The company's rifle production also grew from 392,880 to 608,579 units in 2022. For an in-depth review of their products, visit the Savage Arms Stance review.